This is my favorite of the three dresses I made this week. Probably due to this gorgeous fabric I bought at bolt on Monday. I really didn’t know what I was going to do with it at the time, but as it sat on the cutting table all week it became very clear on Friday morning that I would use it for this last frock.

Do you see the rounded shoulders? Someone was not happy about modeling last night.

Whew! I am feeling so satisfied with myself. I don’t think I have ever sewn three items of clothing in one week. And miracle of miracles, the house is not trashed, the kids’ soccer uniforms are clean and ready and I got at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

I am going to say it’s because I used this one pattern for everything. I didn't have to trace nor did I have to read instructions after the first one. Using knits for all items made things quicker too. The other great thing about using one pattern as the basis for everything was that it forced/allowed me to be more adventurous and creative. What a great week of sewing. I may not be able to continue with the challenge over the weekend, what with work and lots of things on the social calendar. Thanks, Meg for hosting the always inspirational Kids Clothes Week Challenge!

I took a dress that was much too skimpy for me (which I bought last summer at the Gap just because I loooved the fabric), cut it up and made a stylish little tunic-y thing. And yes, I used the FBST as the base pattern—I am sticking with my challenge. Leggings are from Figgy’sSunki pattern.

What started as a basic knit dress intended for lazy summer days has turned into something rather special and elegant. I used the FBST as my base pattern, added length to it and width at the bottom, like this. I also widened the neck and sliced the sleeves up the middle a bit and tied them. For the finishing touch I cut a piece approximately 9 x 24 for the sash.

These photos make the dress look like a true red but it’s really more of a coral. Reds are so difficult to photograph.

Someone is very happy. It’s a really good thing she’s got a Father Daughter dance coming up.

Hello, friends! Things have been so busy around here. We just returned from an idyllic spring break in southern California where we soaked up some sunshine and took the kids to Disneyland for the first time. I realized just before we left that it was our first real family vacation; one that did not include family or friends (as wonderful as those both are). It was different to be just the four of us. And good. It was very good for our little family to have this time together.

Will summed it up nicely when he said: “Disneyland. Where parents make friends with their kids.” Awww.

In other news, I have started working part-time at Bolt Fabric Boutique, the best little fabric store in Portland! Stop in to say hello if you are local. I will also be contributing to the Bolt Neighborhood blog if you care to check out what’s going on over there.